From Paphos: Chrysoroyiatissa, Kykkos and Omodos Day Trip

If you’re considering a day trip from Paphos into the heart of Cyprus’ mountainous landscape, this tour offers a window into the island’s spiritual sites, traditional villages, and scenic vistas. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to combine culture, history, and some much-needed mountain air—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What makes this trip stand out for us? First, the knowledgeable guides really bring the history and stories of Cyprus to life, making the experience more meaningful. Second, the stunning views of mountain landscapes and picturesque villages are truly unforgettable, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the peaceful vibe.

A small caveat? The roads winding through the mountains can be quite twisty, which might cause discomfort for some travelers prone to car sickness or motion sensitivity. It’s a good idea to bring motion sickness remedies if that’s a concern.

This tour suits those who love culture, scenic drives, and authentic village life. It’s especially good for travelers with a sense of curiosity about Cyprus’ religious heritage and rural traditions. If you’re after a relaxed, informative day with plenty of opportunities to take photos and learn, this is a worthwhile choice.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning makes the long drive more pleasant.
• Guided visits to monasteries include plenty of insights into Cyprus’ Orthodox Christian heritage.
• Omodos village offers a lovely spot for wandering cobbled streets and trying local craft and food.
• Optional lunch and wine tasting at Pedoulas adds a flavorful touch to the day (extra costs).
• Excellent value for money considering the number of sites visited and the quality of guides.
• Roads through the mountains are winding; plan accordingly if prone to travel sickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with pick-up from over 38 locations in Paphos, including hotels, resorts, and popular landmarks. This makes it easy to join without extra fuss. Once everyone is aboard an air-conditioned coach, the journey into the Troodos Mountains begins. The ride itself is quite comfortable, and the driver’s careful navigation is appreciated, especially on the winding roads.

With about 1.5 hours of scenic driving under your belt, you’ll start to feel the mountain air and see the landscape change from coastal scenery to lush greenery and rugged terrain. Many reviews praise the comfort of the coach and the professionalism of the guide, making the long drive seem less burdensome.

Stop at Paphos Forest and Scenic Views

The first stop features views of Paphos Forest, a stretch that’s calm and wild—perfect for breathing in the fresh mountain air and snapping some photos of the lush greenery. While this is more of a drive-by or brief stop, it sets the tone for the natural beauty ahead.

Visiting Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery

Your first major stop is Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery, a 12th-century site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s a peaceful place to pause, explore Byzantine icons, frescoes, and learn about the spiritual atmosphere. It’s worth noting how many reviews emphasize the beauty and tranquility of this monastery, with visitors appreciating the amazing views of the valley from its grounds.

The monastery’s architecture and icons are central to Cyprus’ religious art, offering a glimpse into the island’s Orthodox Christian tradition. The guide often shares stories about the history and significance of the icons, making your visit more engaging.

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Kykkos Monastery — The Star of the Trip

Next, you’ll head to Kykkos Monastery, the most famous and wealthiest monastery in Cyprus. You’ll spend around an hour here, exploring the elaborate mosaics, frescoes, and the revered icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be painted by St. Luke.

Reviews highlight how impressive the golden mosaics and religious artwork are, and many mention that the museum within the monastery offers further insight into the island’s Orthodox heritage with artifacts and manuscripts.

The tour emphasizes the importance of Kykkos as a cultural and religious hub, and guide commentary often includes legends and stories behind the icons and historic figures associated with it.

Traditional Mountain Village: Pedoulas

Departing Kykkos, the next stop is Pedoulas Village, a charming mountain community where you can opt for a Cypriot buffet-style lunch (not included in the tour price). The lunch options typically include local specialties like souvla, halloumi, village bread, and fresh salads. Many reviews praise the delicious homemade food and the relaxed atmosphere.

After lunch, some guests enjoy a wine tasting session, sampling regional varieties that showcase Cyprus’ long-standing winemaking tradition. This is a highlight for wine lovers and adds a tasty, cultural layer to the experience.

Exploring Omodos — The Heart of Cyprus’ Wine Country

You’ll then visit Omodos, a picture-perfect village famous for its wine production. Walking through its cobbled streets, you’ll see traditional stone houses, craft shops, and local cafés. The visit typically lasts around an hour, giving plenty of time to browse and soak in the vibe.

While in Omodos, you’ll visit Timios Stavros Monastery, which houses a relic of the Holy Cross. The interior is ornate, and many visitors find it a deeply spiritual and beautiful place. The reviews consistently praise the charm of the village, describing it as a relaxed and friendly spot with opportunities to taste traditional bread and sweets.

The Return Journey

The drive back to Paphos takes about 1.5 hours, giving you time to reflect on a day filled with architecture, history, scenic views, and authentic village life. Many reviews mention how smoothly the day is organized, with plenty of stops and enough time at each location to enjoy without feeling rushed.

The Value of the Tour

When considering the price—generally offering a full day with transportation, guides, monastery entries, and visits—the value is quite solid. Although food and drinks aren’t included, the overall experience provides a well-rounded taste of Cyprus’ cultural and religious sites.

Numerous reviews speak to the high quality of guides, with Sofia often highlighted as a passionate and knowledgeable guide who makes the stories come alive. The visits to the monasteries are particularly praised for their beauty and tranquility, and the villages offer authentic glimpses into local life.

The Downside

If you’re sensitive to winding roads, the mountain drive might be a bit challenging. Some reviewers mention feeling queasy due to the curvy roads, so packing motion sickness tablets could be a good idea. Also, because the tour involves a fair amount of walking on cobbled streets and steep paths, comfortable shoes are a must.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is ideal for travelers interested in religious sites, scenic mountain landscapes, and traditional villages. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, want informative guides, and don’t mind the drive through winding roads.

It’s also well-suited for culture enthusiasts and anyone looking for a taste of authentic Cyprus away from the beaches. If you’re traveling with someone interested in wine, the tasting stop at Pedoulas will be a lovely bonus.

The Sum Up

If your idea of a memorable day in Cyprus involves exploring monasteries, scenic mountain villages, and sampling local wines and foods, then this tour offers excellent value. The guided approach means you get rich stories and context, turning sightseeing into a more meaningful experience.

While the winding mountain roads might be a little uncomfortable for some, the overall journey rewards you with breathtaking views, cultural insights, and relaxed village charm. The tour strikes a good balance between structured visits and free time, making it suitable for curious travelers who enjoy a blend of history, spirituality, and local life.

This trip is best suited for those who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences and want to learn about Cyprus’ religious and rural traditions in a comfortable, guided setting.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from and back to hotels in Paphos on an air-conditioned coach or minibus.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meal breaks.

Are the monasteries included in the entry fee?
Yes, all monastery and museum entries are covered in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, along with water, sun protection, and a camera for photos.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch at Pedoulas is optional and paid separately. The tour does include a wine tasting.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but keep in mind the walking and winding roads. It’s probably best suited for older children and adults.

How is the guide?
Many reviews praise guides like Sofia for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the experience more enriching.

Are there any special considerations for road sickness?
The roads through the mountains are quite winding. If you’re prone to travel sickness, consider taking medication or bringing remedies.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility.

If you’re ready for a day of exploring Cyprus’ spiritual sites, scenic beauty, and traditional villages, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your trip. Just remember to bring your curiosity, comfortable shoes, and a camera—you’re likely to come away with plenty of great stories and photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: